Competition at the 2026 Hespero Balloon Race
Hello Pilots
The Hespero Balloon Race is coming up soon. VERY SOON!
It looks as if we have all the above pilots confirmed. Wow! a record year with 21 balloons.
As part of our requirements to keep things compliant we ask that you fill out and send back this pilot registration form signed. We then know that all balloons and pilot are following the legal requirements.
This year as we are celebrating the 15th year of the Hespero Balloon Race and the 50th year of the Calgary Balloon Club so we are planning a bit more fun competition flying if you chose to do so. Not only will the Hespero Balloon Race trophy be up for grabs but also the Alberta Championships (if you’re a AFBS Member) and we will have a western Canadians (if you reside in western Canada).
These will be a fun events and will be scored more like a competition throughout the weekend. We will have simple tasks. We are hoping 2 per flight, Hare and hound , Judge declared goals. Plus of course the Flag pole.
To keep the work down we are going to predetermine the JDG on a clock format from Hespero and they will be put on KMZ file so you can download into your Hot air app if you use it. If you don’t use Hot Air, we will have some paper copies of the county maps we typically have. This will be out about a week before the event.
Like I say this is for fun so no electronic loggers, no protests, no bullying, and NO fist fights for the trophy.
Please let me know by an email reply if you are competing and which competition you will be in, so that we can prepare the roster ahead of time.
If you are not an AFBS member but want to go for that title, the membership is $20.00 and I have attached a form (We will accept out of Province members).
This year is a one-time event so lets make it a good one. Again, this is a private event so would appreciate that we don’t advertise this ahead of time externally to the public, to stay away from the SFOC requirements.
If you have any questions or idea don’t hesitate to reach out.
See you all soon and hope for good weather so we can see some crops come off. (so far none due to wet conditions and no heat)
PS: Anyone that wants to help with assisting with the competition organization we would appreciate it.
Cliff and Sheri
Competition Documents
These documents are the current FAI/CIA documents for hot air balloon competition.
They are provided as reference documents - the event and competitions will be generally run according to these documents however this is not a sanctioned event and all decisions are up to Cliff Skocdopole (or his designate).
Any references to FAI, CIA, NAC, Event Director, Jury, etc. should be read as 'Cliff Skocdopole.'
The are no complaint, protest or appeal processes!